Shawn Mendes shares that he’s starring in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile because the film “can have a positive impact on kids,” while adding that he has no new music in the works
Shawn Mendes promoted his feature film debut in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile this week.
On Wednesday, the 24-year-old singer appeared on Good Morning America, where he said he chose to play the animal in the film to make kids happy.
“I immediately thought of children,” he told hosts George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts and TJ Holmes. “If there’s a movie that can positively impact kids…” he trailed off.
New Appearance: Shawn Mendes promoted his feature film debut in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile in NYC this week
And he also said that he was well suited for the role of Lyle because they were both considered sensitive.
“I think I have a sensitive reputation,” Mendes shared. “He’s this big giant animal, but he’s very cute and soft.”
Mendes has reportedly been struggling with his mental health this year.
This new film and promotional tour marks a return to work for the ailing singer, who was forced to cancel his Wonder World tour this summer due to his mental health.
Happy for her: On Wednesday, the 24-year-old singer appeared on Good Morning America, where he said he decided to play the animal in the film to make kids happy
Cute! And he also said that he was well suited for the role of Lyle because they were both considered sensitive. “I think I have a sensitive reputation,” Mendes shared. “He’s this big giant animal, but he’s very cute and soft”
New Music: The artist also worked on the soundtrack for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
But while the film’s release marks a career boost for Mendes, fans shouldn’t get their hopes up about the Wonder singer releasing new music any time soon.
In addition to writing a new song called Heartbeat for the film’s soundtrack, Shawn confirmed nothing else was in the works.
“I’ve got this and a song I wrote for the soundtrack,” he said, “but that’s it for now. Just the crocodile.”
The Grammy-nominated star has had a difficult time after navigating a split from Camila Cabello, 25, last year.
He’s previously been open about the crippling anxiety he’s suffered due to the overwhelming pressure of fame.
fearless? The star arrived at the Good Morning America studio in Manhattan on Wednesday looking upbeat and relaxed in a red long sleeve shirt and flared khaki pants
Peaceful mentality: The singing sensation showed his fans a peace sign as he made his way into the Good Morning America studio
“I was so scared I actually couldn’t sing anymore,” Shawn told GQ last year. “I couldn’t sing anymore, and I always didn’t want to stop. I didn’t want to stop.’ In a since-deleted Instagram post in July, the Canadian hitmaker confessed to his fans that “the tolerance of the road and the pressure got to me and I’ve reached a breaking point.”
It seems that playing an animated singing crocodile helped alleviate the In My Blood singer’s many stresses.
“Being an animated character is a journey,” he said on Good Morning America. “You only realize how special it is when you watch it for the first time and then you see his voice coming from something that so many people have put so much work into.”
Based on the best-selling children’s book by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile tells the story of a singing saltwater crocodile who lives in the attic of a family home in New York City. Hopefully the success of this latest project will help inspire Shawn to make more music for his loyal fans.
Trying to fly: Mendes told Britain’s GQ that the swallow tattoo on his right hand serves as a “reminder that home is not a building but the people you love and the people you know as family and friends.”